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TJ's Challenge Blog

Ahead of the Pack, Diving Head First into the Second Leg

10/8/2011

21 Comments

 
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Hey Guys and Gals,

I have successfully and healthfully made it through the first leg of what is turning out to to be a triathlon against cancer, my first six cycle’s of chemotherapy treatments are complete! My body reacted to the chemotherapy better than expected and has thus opened a new door as I enter the second leg of this challenge: surgery. I am scheduled for a complicated liver surgery on October 17th. A surgery that was not originally possible at the outset of my adventure my surgeon is planning on performing multiple types of liver resections to remove all eight of the tumors in my liver. Six of the tumors because of their size and location are “easier” to remove, while two sit fairly close to my portal vein and might be a little tricky to manipulate, but it can be done. The tumor bordering my portal vein should be easier to remove if the chemotherapy continued to shrink its size. Ironically enough, I am hoping that I didn’t shrink all those suckers to non-existence because to be “cured” of colon cancer they actually have to surgically remove the original tumor themselves, which is a little difficult to do if they are not there. My gall bladder will also be removed during the surgery, which is very common during liver resections. The surgery should last around five hours and I will be in recovery for about five hours (before anyone can see me,) so it’s going to be a long day for the family. I also will be in the hospital for about five to eight days and have a total recovery time of about six weeks. At that time I will be headed into surgery number two, Colon Surgery, but we will cross that bridge when we get there., 
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My healing Bowl

I was given my first percentages of this journey, even though I didn’t ask for them. The mortality rate of this surgery is 1-2%. Meaning 1 to 2 people out of every 100 that go through a similar surgery do not make it out alive. What I told my family immediately after the surgeon left the room was, “Just so you guys know, that 1-2% does not apply to me.” It’s a similar statement to what I have been saying from the start. Those averages are of people all around the country, at varying ages, various stages of health, and at various hospitals. My body is young, healthy, and strong. My mind is strong, clear and more focused than it has ever been, and I completely believe and trust in my medical team.

So that’s currently where I stand, I have some pre-operative tests on thursday which include an EKG,  a chest x-ray, and some blood work but that’s about it until the big day. I have to arrive at the hospital Monday the 17th at 6am and then it’s go time. Positive thoughts bring positive results, as I dive head first into the second leg of this challenge I grow ever closer to the light at the end of the tunnel and all of your positive thoughts and prayers carry me to the finish line.

Much Love – Teej

p.s. I heard chicks dig scars, well, Amanda better start breaking out the boxing gloves because I am going to have a zipper like scar that travels from the base of my sternum, to my navel and bangs a sharp right over towards my kidney. (And that’s only going to be my second one.) I might have to break out my “blue steel” and give my modeling career a shot: http://www.colonclub.com/the-2012-colondar/




p.p.s. Don’t worry, I will have someone on update duty the day of surgery.

21 Comments
Julie Widett October 8, 2011
10/10/2015 11:43:50 am

Hey TJ all the best of luck with everything, you will do well I know it, positive thoughts are healers and you are such a positive person. Hang in there and keep up your strong will and faith and you will prevail. My thoughts and all my positive energy I can muster up is with you. All the best. Julie

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patti ballard October 8, 2011
10/10/2015 11:44:09 am

best of luck tj with your positive energy you will be well

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Tom Mc October 9, 2011
10/10/2015 11:44:31 am

Keep it up TJ because you ARE kicking Cancers Ass. Positive thoughts and prayers from FL.

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Em Berman October 9, 2011
10/10/2015 11:44:51 am

Teej – you are incredible. Sending all of our thoughts, prayers, hugs and good karma your way. You are an inspiration and I have no doubt in my mind you will continue to kick serious cancer butt through this triathalon, decathalon or whatever kind of throw down it wants to toss at you. Keep doing exactly what you are doing!! xoxo em

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Jeff October 9, 2011
10/10/2015 11:45:17 am

As a Dad I would be so proud to have a son like you. Thanks for the honesty of your feelings you so openly share with us all. I know without a doubt your blog will help many who are going through your challenge. Please keep it up TJ. Throwing positive energy your way. Kick Big C’s ass pal !

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joe roller October 10, 2011
10/10/2015 11:45:38 am

TJ,

This is all very positive news. Not only have you successfully completed the first leg of this triathalon (ironman, not short course), but you are in a good position for the next. By the way, since you are using water metaphors (diving, flood gates, stream of …), perhaps you have just completed the swim leg. And, if you finish the arduous swim leg in good shape, this bodes well for cycling and running.

I was pleased to learn that your surgeon will deal with your liver all at once. Tells me that chemo is doing its job and you are healthy enough to undertake a long procedure. And, you are SO right about the 1-2 pct. You are health in body, mind and soul (I recall “Tapping into…”) And are well equipped for the next leg.

Now about this “Diving in HEAD First.” Normally, I might worr but based on everything I have read from you these past many weeks, I know that you have checked the depth.

Continued best wishes and positive thoughts for the next two legs.

Joe

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Susan Blinn October 10, 2011
10/10/2015 11:46:01 am

You are one third of the way there. You are so amazing and your positive outlook has made you a winner already. Know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers each and everyday, but especially on the 17th. Positive thoughts are being sent to you.

Love, The Blinns

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Melissa Fabick October 10, 2011
10/10/2015 11:46:22 am

We are sending positive thoughts your way not only on the 17th but everyday and we know that you can beat these next “line of battle men” Your body has proven that it can come out on top and that it will keep fighting strong. Keep up the positive attitude and I will look for you in the next Swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated., Michael Phelps, look out!!

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Mom October 11, 2011
10/10/2015 11:46:49 am

Teej,
Monday will be a very long day indeed. I know what it is like to wait to see you. When you arrived unexpectedly on November 18th, 2002 I had to wait to see you for a day and a 1/2. We were on seperate floors, You in the neonatal and I on the 4th floor, was unable to go down to see you. I was convinced that something had happened to you and they were not being honest with me. Poor dad tried and tried to convince me you were fine but until I saw you how could I believe that. All said and done we had a wonderful friend, Carol who called someone she knew and before I knew it you along with an entire team of nurses, doctors with incubator, monitor etc.arrived in my room. NO EASY TASK but there you were, 36 hours old and the very first time I laid eyes on you. AMAZING. I was even allowed to hold you for a very short time which was against policy especially becasue I was having blood transfuions. You were so small but strong. I knew then that you were a fighter and you have not proven me wrong.
There have been other moments over the last 28 soon to be 29 years that I have had to wait to see you and I survived with maybe a few extra grey hairs.
We ALL realize this is going to be a long grueling day for us but when we see you it will be well worth it. We will be there waiting to say, hello or as dad said in a speech “hi-ya, hi-ya how a ya :)
We all love you, this comes from your entire family and the army you have gathered along this journey.

Much love, Mom
PS: To all of you who follow Tj’s blog. We will keep you up to date on Monday. You will hear news when we do. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers, love and support to Tj and Amanda, our daughters and their husbands, our entire family. THANK YOU and BLESS YOU ALL.

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Mom October 11, 2011
10/10/2015 11:47:10 am

Oops 2002, it seems like almost yesterday but it was actually 1982. Sorry Teej :)

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MA October 11, 2011
10/10/2015 11:47:30 am

good luck.

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Tara D October 12, 2011
10/10/2015 11:47:48 am

TJ best of luck to you! Your story and fight against cancer amazes me! Your family must be extremely proud! Keep up the fight TJ you’re going to kick this! There’s no other option for you!

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Mike Wren October 12, 2011
10/10/2015 11:48:09 am

TJ-

Wow. Every time I read a blog posting of yours I cannot help but feel that there nothing that can stop you from shining. Keep fighting the good fight brother and we will keep marching behind you. The 17th will be a long day for sure, but no one is more prepared. All of our love and prayers.

The Wrens

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Beth Kelly Gershon October 12, 2011
10/10/2015 11:48:30 am

TJ, Good luck with the surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are strong and will beat this thing.
Best,
Beth Kelly Gershon

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The McPherson's October 12, 2011
10/10/2015 11:48:52 am

TJ,
Positive thoughts and prayers to you. You are an amazing person.
All our love,
Kevin and Colleen

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shawna October 14, 2011
10/10/2015 11:49:11 am

Hi Tj,
I just wanted to send you a quick note to wish you well on Monday. I know that you personally know so many people who are supporting you, and who will be sending good thoughts your way on Monday. But, I hope you also know that there are many of us out here who you may not know – but who are also sending thoughts your way. And because you’ve touched us with your story and spirit, we’ve shared that with our friends and loved ones… so the legion of people who will be thinking of you and your family on Monday and sending our love and positive energy your way is probably more expansive than you’ll ever know. I hope you can feel that energy and all of our prayers on Monday.
Best wishes,
Shawna

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Steve Parsloe October 15, 2011
10/10/2015 11:49:31 am

OK, its Monday football and I know you’re ready for this. You’re in the end zone and the crowd is cheering. You would be the receiver (because I’m the quarterback of course) and you have 20 doctors on the offensive line and your Dad is yelling something from the sideline (something about your fly being down but I really can’t make it out). The defensive team is cancer, boy are they much smaller up close (thanks to chemo tacklers I guess). The docs in the offensive line are staring down at the cells – hey wait, the doctors are carrying some type of weapon – I guess it’s good their on our side. I yell some numbers, the ball is snapped and there you are ready to hit this head-on. I throw the ball and you jump to catch it (boy can you jump high). The girls are yelling teej, teeeeeej! Some of them fainted – guess they love you and can’t take all the excitement. You score, and your family is there throwing you up in the air with excitement. You throw-up a bit because you don’t like being tossed around but you’re fine with it. Nice Job, game over for them.
The next surgery story will have to be based on Golf.
Good luck on Monday, you’re in our thoughts and our prayers!
Love, Steve, Cathy and the girls

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Dottie October 16, 2011
10/10/2015 11:49:50 am

Teej,

Tomorrow is the big day and I know with your amazing additude and the incredible support you have the outcome will be the one we all have been praying for.

We love you
Dottie and Jimmy

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joe roller October 16, 2011
10/10/2015 11:50:13 am

TJ,

It’s time for the bumblebee to take flight for the next leg. His wings are very strong indeed, as is his heart and mind. There will be many who will support his safe landing on Monday–medical team, family, friends, and many others who admire and are inspired by you.

We send our love, prayers, and lots of positive vibes your way, TJ.

Jan and Joe

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David Wilson October 16, 2011
10/10/2015 11:50:33 am

TJ
You have worked hard to get ready for this operation. You are prepared, so tomorrow you will take another step toward being cancer free.
David

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Liz Macone October 17, 2011
10/10/2015 11:50:53 am

Abdominal scars are VERY sexy – I speak from experience!

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    TJ Baudanza
    ​A 28 year old, fighting to kick Stage 4 Colon Cancer's Ass.

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